Recorded by the group Chicago, this signature hit has gone on to become a rock classic. Paul's easy arrangement is playable with very limited rehearsal time, but still has an authentic and hard-driving feel. Includes optional solos (or soli) for any sax and any brass instrument.

John Berry has skillfully arranged this Glenn Miller classic for beginning groups and maintained the important elements from the original version. Here is a great way to introduce this important band leader to your young players.

Made famous by the Count Basie band as well as countless other jazz artists, bring a bit of history to your young players with this familiar standard. This easy arrangement includes a nice mix of unison passages with full-sounding ensemble scoring. Medium swing at its best!

This is really not “just another blues”, but rather an excellent medium swing chart perfect for inexperienced bands. The blues format makes it comfortable for beginning soloists and sample solos are provided for alto or tenor sax.

Revenge is very sweet! Gordon Goodwin is the hot writer of today's big band charts and this arrangement proves it. Count Bubba's Revenge features a shuffle swing that builds and builds. On top of that, it showcases all the sections by trading back and forth, playing a cappella, and so on. Solo space is provided for tenor, bari, trumpet, trombone, and piano or guitar. Gordon is masterful at creating a chart that exudes energy and excitement, and this one delivers. Standard instrumentation---no doubles. (6:24) This title is available in SmartMusic.

From the original movie soundtrack of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this catchy melody combines with fun rhythms to make a great rock shuffle! This chart features a brief written alto sax solo, a written drumset solo and an interlude in 3/4 meter. Quick assembly is possible!

This well-known standard is usually performed as a duet and has been recorded countless times over the years, and notably in the holiday movie favorite Elf starring Will Ferrell. This charming arrangement for beginning players features the saxes and trumpets in the answering phrases. No solos are required, however an alto soloist could be used in one of the soli sections. This will sound great with limited rehearsal time.

Young players will have a blast with this dynamic yet easy version of the huge hit by Lady Gaga. Trombones state the distinctive riff theme, and later the sax section trades statements with the brass in this well-scored and solid arrangement. No solos required.

Here is one of a very select group of blues standards that every jazz musician should know. Paul's very easy version makes it accessible to young players and gives beginning improvisers a wonderful platform to start from.

Written in an even 8th note ballad style, this smooth sounding original can be used to feature either an alto sax or trumpet soloist. Scored to sound full with beginning groups, this makes a nice change-of-pace number for any concert. Dur: 3:30

Introduce your beginning group to the concept of “call and response” (so common in early jazz) with this carefully written, easy arrangement of this well-known jazz standard. Like all titles in the Essential Elements Jazz Ensemble series, it includes exercises to help teach style, as well as sample written solos.

One of the defining rock acts of the 1970s, the music of Queen is still heard regularly on the radio waves and on the silver screen. This hard-hitting yet easy-to-play medley includes their monster hits We Will Rock You, We Are the Champions and Another One Bites the Dust. A guaranteed winner!

Utilizing the Dorian mode and a bluesy melody, here is a catchy original perfect for teaching swing. This one also works great for beginning improvisers since the solo section uses only two chords (two scales). Sure to become a favorite with your band.

Here is a great rock original for beginning groups that sets up a nice groove between the bass line and melody played first by trombones/tenors. Later the altos and trumpets take the lead. Also included is a solo (or soli) for trumpet and a short sax soli with brass background figures. Your young players will love playing this one!

Composed and recorded by jazz legend John Coltrane, this medium tempo blues tune features an easy-to-play melody and solid tutti-style rhythms for the ensemble. In addition, the blues changes and moderate tempo make it a comfortable setting for developing soloists. (Includes CD)

Recorded on the 1956 album Cookin' with the Miles Davis Quintet, this jazz standard composed by pianist Red Garland adapts beautifully for beginning jazzers. With a moderate tempo, riff-based melody, and non-threatening soloing on the blues progression, this is the perfect introduction to the music of Miles Davis for your students.

Here is a great medium swing blues tune for beginning jazz ensembles. The main theme features the rhythm section playing “stop time” before it slips into a steady swing pattern. There is a solid ensemble chorus leading to the solo section that can be used for any player.

Here's a great way to introduce the music of Count Basie to your younger players. Carefully scored for beginning groups, this medium swing chart trades the melody between the trumpets and saxes, includes a solo or soli for trumpet, and a brief shout chorus using tutti rhythms for the entire band.

In the style of the great Count Basie, this chart is full of terrific teaching opportunities. Simple but effective ensemble writing, blues-based changes, and a swinging groove make it a winner. Written or ad lib solos are provided for all. Duration 3:50. standard jazz ensemble (playable by 4 horns plus rhythm section) with opt. flute, clarinet & F horn

Recorded by American blues singer John Lee Hooker in 1961, this remains one of his most identifiable and enduring songs. John Berry's bluesy swing version for young players includes the signature question-and-answer format along with a solo for any sax, then any trumpet, plus a short feature spot for the trombones.

Supplementing the Essential Elements Jazz Ensemble Method, this extremely playable Latin number evokes the sea and the beach. It has interesting harmonies, appealing rhythms, and features a very approachable solo section that can be opened for anyone in the band.

Featuring any melodic instrument in the solo role, this chart that pairs an infectious melody with gospel-flavored harmonies will be the highlight of any concert program. Written or ad lib solos for all are included. Duration 3:44. standard jazz ensemble (playable by 5 horns plus rhythm section) with opt. flute, clarinet & F horn

This latest installment in the continuing adventures of Bubbert is a blues in a '60s “boogaloo style.” It's loaded with blues scale material that can be extremely helpful for beginning and developing soloists.

The elusive Bubbert leads us on a mysterious journey, but we're not really sure what he's hiding from! Along the way is this infectious tune written in a moderate Latin style perfect for beginning jazz ensembles. Includes a flexible solo section for any instrument.

Bubbert takes a road trip and finds himself in the land of the lope-along Western style blues. This fun chart features a catchy riff, a question and answer stop-time section, plus a flexible solo section with unison background figures. A great way to teach the blues.

Finally our hero finds love. This medium/slow swinger features short solo passages for trumpet and alto. The harmonies and textures in this piece provide excellent material for teaching balance, blend and tuning. With a tuneful melody and nice swing feel, this is a great addition to any program.

Finally, this Ellington classic is available for even the most inexperienced bands. For starters, this version is in Bb rather than C. Rick features the saxes on the melody with inventive brass counterlines, and later a marvelous ensemble tutti section that starts soft then builds to the end. An absolute must! Performance Time: 3:30

Any member of your group can be featured in this medium swing chart from Doug Beach and George Shutack; solo parts with written lines and chord changes are provided for any instrument. The title is inspired by one of the most fundamental traditions in jazz known as call and response -- the soloist makes a statement and the band responds. Rhythm section parts are notated with chords cued. Duration 3:04. standard jazz ensemble (playable by 5 horns plus rhythm section) with opt. flute, clarinet, & F horn

Mike found a nice jazz shuffle groove for this early Beatles classic that will be a lot of fun for beginning groups. The minor blues solo section allows players to use either the blues scale or dorian mode for ease in improvising. Full length recording included.

This Elvis Presley classic is arranged here in the style of a rock ballad and features a short written-out trumpet solo in the beginning. The melody is skillfully woven between all sections of the band and no ad lib. solos are required.

One of the most recognizable of all Duke Ellington's tunes, this distinctive composition combines the styles of Latin and big band jazz. Here's a marvelous arrangement playable by beginning groups. (Includes full performance CD)

This is a Rhythm and Blues style swing chart that will have every foot tapping. Blues harmonies updated for today's modern jazz ensemble along with plenty of full sounding ensemble make this a great chart. Paul Cook arranged Flip, Flop and Fly for the young player and he includes an open section for basic improvisation training. Paul offers ad lib solo starters sets for B-Flat, E-Flat and Bass Clef instruments, which will give every band member a chance to try their licks on the blues form. R & B is an infectious art form: learn it, live it, love it!

In contrast to Vince Guaraldi's up-tempo “Linus and Lucy” (also of “Peanuts” fame), this theme is a laid-back medium tempo swinger that alternates between a “2” feel and a “walking 4” feel. Plenty of tutti ensemble playing is featured, and there is a solo included for any sax.

Playable by students without a lot of chamber group experience, both selections in 3/4 time are not meant to be played quickly so players can focus on their individual and collective expression, intonation, balance and blend. Great training and recital material! Duration 2:50. Lento Religioso; Opus 15; No. 3; Prelude; Opus 28;No. 7 S(A)ATB Saxes

Written for Frank Sinatra (and the title track of his 1958 album), this tune epitomizes the cool sounds of the swing era. Here's a smartly scored version for beginning bands, written with modest ranges but still maintaining an authentic style. Included is plenty of tutti ensemble playing plus short solos (or soli) for sax and trumpet. A great way to teach swing.

Recorded by the group Styx in 1977, this chart opens in a rock ballad style featuring a solo alto sax. The mood then shifts to a driving rock pulse featuring the brass on the powerful strains of the chorus. Solid rock and roll for young players!